Friends, I’ve been productive lately. I refinanced my house and closed on the new loan on Friday. If you have never experienced a closing, then let me explain what’s involved. You and an agent sit down with a mountain of papers. You then proceed to sign, sign, sign. I discovered that refinancing has even more paperwork than buying a house. I think it took 1.5 hours for me to sign 20+ documents totaling over 120 pages! Whew!

Last night Jason and Adam came over to work on the Spycraft LARP that Atomic Squash is putting together for DieCon 7. Before the meeting we were log jammed on ideas. I think we made progress establishing the premise of the story and fleshing out about twenty characters and several art items. I made chili, cornbread muffins and oatmeal raisin cookies. The chili was average. Adam gave me some ideas to improve it.

I asked somebody if she can make neon green soap with the words “Atomic Squash” on it. I’m thinking we can give them out as prizes at the Spycraft LARP. She sent me a list of scents that are available. So, what does Atomic Squash smell like? There are fragrances on the list of which I have never heard: bergamot, frangipani, yuzu and pikake. I must live a sheltered life.

I went to the St Louis Tap Room for Burns Night last night just like I did last year. It is a fun celebration of the Scottish poet Robert Burns.

I had some excellent Scotch Eggs. My buddy Adam joined me. He had the haggis, nips and tatties.

We got there too late for the recital of the late poet’s “Address to the Haggis”, the best poem ever composed by a man to a meat product. Even more regrettable is that we missed the Lassies Response delivered last year by an attractive lass who was very amusing.

We were entertained by a band of kilted performers who marched into the club room playing drums and bagpipes. They performed a number of traditional songs and an impressive drum piece.

Unfortunately I had to cut the evening short because I had a morning meeting. I had a great time hanging with friends and enjoying the food and music.

Today I was taking down Christmas cards and putting away decorations. I discovered a jar of apple butter Mom had given me. It had a label that read “Greenville Regional Hospital Auxiliary Apple Butter”. It was great! I want to say for the record I love apple butter.

It is time for my third annual list of underrated items. The past year, 2006, once again gave us its share of hype and hero worship. This is my list of underrated items that I feel deserve some exposure.

Last year I mentioned a gazpacho dot net podcast netcast. I am still toying with the idea. I am especially inspired to produce something light-hearted and funny.

Choose a Ninja Burger Career at the
Ninja Burger website.

Last weekend Jason called to invite me out to Collnsville’s Italian Fest. Once I arrived I spotted Joe and Bob. It was nice to see friends. We chatted about the upcoming Archon 30, old role playing game systems and new science fiction shows. I had an excellent Italian Beef + Sausage Combo sandwich from a vendor known as the Two Fat Guys. Adam spotted a mullet and snapped a picture for me.

Click on an image for a larger version

I made brownies today. This reminds me of a story. I once made brownies and brought them into work. By accident I had cooked them a little too long and the edges burned. I thought the crew would crave off the burnt pieces and eat the remaining brownies. To my suprise I retrieved an emtpy plate from the break room later that day. A coworker bumped into me in the halls and said, “Hey, those were good brownies!” “Oh, the brownies.” I replied. “I cooked them longer than I planned.” He responded, “Are you kidding? I love brownie crust, especially the corner pieces!” Anybody else? I’m not a fan. But, hey, it may just be me.